The Channel Islands comprise a group of small islands off the coast of Normandy, in the English Channel. The main inhabited Channel Islands are Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm and there are many more small islands and islets, some of which are inhabited, some of which are not. Of the five main islands, the latter four come under the Bailiwick of Guernsey, while Jersey and the tiny islets of Minquiers and Ecrehous are part of the Bailiwick of Jersey. Both the Bailiwick of Jersey and Guernsey are British Crown Dependencies, but not part of the United Kingdom. Their close proximity to the French coast hints at an intriguing, and often turbulent history as the Channel Islands have changed between English and French hands several times.

There is evidence of habitation on many of the Channel Islands by Neolithic man, with the notable exception of Sark, whose relative lack of ancient habitation is thought to result from the rocky and somewhat inhospitable terrain. The Romans used many of the Channel Islands as trading bases for centuries, but their departure from the British Isles in the early 5th century AD led to the virtual extinction of Christianity in Britain. The proliferation of place names on the Channel Islands prefixed with Saint is a reflection of the monks whose works helped to maintain Christianity on the islands throughout the Dark Ages. Since circa 993AD, the islands have come under the rule of the Duke of Normandy and Queen Elizabeth II is still referred to traditionally by islanders as ‘Our Duke’ to this day. During this time however possession of the much-coveted islands has passed between the French and the English six times, and many of the superb medieval castles and fortifications built to protect the harbours and the coastline remain intact. These fortifications however did little to deter the German forces, which invaded the Channel Islands in 1940 and occupied them until 1945.

The Channel Islands are a very popular tourist destination, not only for visitors from the UK but also from mainland Europe. Tourism is the main industry of the Channel Islands, and the islands’ gentle pace, beautiful scenery and fascinating history are big attractions. Agriculture, notably dairy and potato farming, is another important industry; Jersey Royal potatoes and Jersey cows are famous the world over. The Channel Islands are home to a greater number of millionaires per square mile than any other part of the British Isles, due to the relaxation of taxes; VAT is not payable on the Channel Islands, making many goods appear considerably cheaper than on the mainland.